Spinach and Apple Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing
A refreshing salad featuring tender bagged spinach, crisp apple slices, and toasted walnuts in a tangy maple-dijon vinaigrette. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes blends bagged spinach, Honeycrisp apple, walnuts into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 5 oz bagged spinach
- 1 Honeycrisp apple
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 5 oz bagged spinach, 1 thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple, and 1/4 cup toasted walnuts.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all leaves are evenly coated.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spinach and Apple Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spinach and Apple Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spinach and Apple Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spinach and Apple Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spinach and Apple Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick and easy dinner. The dressing is a game-changer!
- ★★★★★
My family loved this salad. It's healthy and so refreshing for a summer dinner.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The maple-dijon dressing was the perfect balance for the spinach and apples.
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